The Haute Route is one of Europe's best known long distance ski-touring routes; running roughly parallel is a spectacular summer trek from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn. Covering approximately 100km, it links the valleys of the Haute Savoie in France to the Swiss Valais. Following our guide (IML),our tour passes beneath ten of the twelve highest mountains in the Alps. Walking through a landscape scattered with glistening glacial lakes and lush, undulating valleys by day whilst sleeping in remote alpine huts and under canvas by night.

Highlights

Spectacular mountain scenery and some of the best walking in the Alps

Challenging walking amongst the highest concentration of 4000m peaks in the Alps

Responsible Travel

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Day 2

This is a limbering up day and there are several good walks nearby. Alternatively, take the cable car (optional) to the Aiguille du Midi for outstanding close-up views of Mont Blanc, the Chamonix Valley and the surrounding peaks.

Meals included:
Breakfast
Dinner

Day 3

From Les Bossons (1,012m/3320ft) we have a short bus journey to Chamonix from where we take the cable car to Plan Praz (1, 999m/6560ft). The trail is on the opposite side of the valley from Mt. Blanc and affords excellent views of the whole massif lying to the south. We ascend to reach the high point of the day at Lac Blanc (2352m/7715ft). The trail descends and then contours high above the valley before descending steeply to the hamlet of Les Frasserands (1,371m - 4500ft). In the afternoon there is a very short section of ladders/steep steps with handrails to descend.

8.5 hours walking time including breaks and lunch etc. 550m/1800ft up, 1270m/4170ft down

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 4

We begin by climbing steeply to the Aiguillette de Posettes (2201m/7200ft), descend a little and then ascend towards the Col de Balme (2,191m/7190ft) where we walk across the border from France to Switzerland. Excellent views all morning of Aiguille d'Argentière and Aiguille du Tour and its glacier. After lunch we descend to the small hamlet of Trient (1,296m/4250ft). Good views of the Trient Glacier. Rough camp near Trient.

7.5 hours walking, 1120m/3670ft up, 710m/2330ft down

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 5

In good weather we take the trail adjacent to the Trient Glacier to cross a high, rocky pass known as Fenetre d'Arpette (2,665m/8740ft) before descending steeply into the Arpette Valley (1,627m/5340ft) and down to our campsite in Champex (1,486m/4880ft). In poor weather we would take the lower trail, which climbs first to the Col de Forclaz (1527m/5010ft) from where we can look down into the Rhone valley. The Swiss town of Martigny is in sight far below, as we follow the 'Bovine route' to Champex-Lac.

9 hours walking, 1360m/4460ft up, 1260m/4130ft

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 6

From Champex we walk down to Sembrancher (717m/2350ft) then travel by train and bus to the ski resort of Verbier (1,490m/4880ft). We ascend steeply through forests and then open hillsides to reach our first mountain hut, the Cabane de Montfort (2,457m/8060ft) from where we have good views of the Grand Combin and of the Mont Blanc Massif in the distance.

Mountain huts have shared dormitory style accommodation with basic toilet and washing facilities only. The support vehicle is unable to reach this hut so we need to do some light backpacking until we re-join it in two day's time.

7 hours walking, 925m/3030ft up, 800m/2624ft down

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 7

A long day with three passes to cross. We start with a steady accent to our first col, this will either be the Col Termin or Col de la Chaux depending on conditions. If we're lucky we may spot herds of Ibex. From here we descend and before climbing again to the Col de Louvie (2921m/9580ft ) and onwards towards the Grand Désert glacier. We pass by small tarns fed by the outflows of the glacier and ascend for our final pass the Col Prafleuri (2987m – 9800ft) - the highest col on the route - with views of the Rosablanche and Mont Blanc de Cheilon. It is then only a short descent to the Cabane Prafleuri (2624m – 8600ft). Again the support vehicle will be unable to reach us so we will be doing light backpacking to this remote mountain hut.

8 hours walking, 10km/6 miles, 1080m/3545ft up, 850m/2790ft down

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 8

Our route today starts with a short climb to cross the Col de Roux (2,804m/9200ft). We descend across large boulders to Lac Dix (2,364m/7750ft) and walk around its shoreline before climbing again above the glacier Dix, through meadows, which during the summer are quite often filled with edelweiss, to make a steep ascent on loose scree to the Col du Reidmatten (2,919m/9570ft). Excellent views of the Pigne d'Arolla, Mont Collon and possibly the Matterhorn in the distance. Finally, a long descent brings us to the small and charming village of Arolla (1,998m/6550ft), from where we catch a bus to Les Haudères (1,436m/4710ft). Here we are met by the support vehicle.

9 hours walking, 675m/2215ft up, 1330m/4360ft down

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 9

A free day to relax. The twin villages of Les Haudères and Evolene lie in the most picturesque part of the Val de Hérens and there are many day walks in the area if you feel the need for a little more exercise!

Meals included:
Breakfast

Day 10

Today we have a big climb to reach our col where we’ll be rewarded with stunning views. We climb first to Villa (1,730m/5675ft) then on to cross the Col Torrent (2,919m/9575ft) and enjoy vast mountain views; the Pigne d'Arolla, the Grand Combin, the Weisshorn, and make a long descent past Lac de Moiry (2,249m/7380ft) to the woods above the picture postcard village of Grimentz (1,572m/5150ft).

9 hours walking, 1510m/4950ft up, 1290m/4230ft down

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 11

A long day that starts with a gentle walk through woods to reach the valley bottom at Mottec (1,556m/5100ft). From here there is a short but steep climb to join the main trail at a higher level with fine views of the Matterhorn and Ober Gabelhorn. The climb continues to today's col, the Forcletta (2,874m/9426ft) where we enter German-speaking Switzerland. We have views back to Grand Combin and possibly Mont Blanc as well. Descend, with views of the Weisshorn to the southeast, to the Turtman Valley and Gruben (1,822m/5975ft). This is the longest walking day. As there is no campsite in the Gruben valley we stay in dormitories in a local auberge and our bags are brought up by the support vehicle.

9 hours walking, 1345m/4420ft up, 1035m/3400ft down

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 12

We climb again to cross the Augstbord pass (2,894m/9490ft) with good views of the Weisshorn and the 'Dom' and join the main Zermatt Valley high on its western side. We descend to cross the Emdbach and soon after get our first views of the Zermatt Valley plus the Weisshorn, Kleine Matterhorn and Taschorn. Descend to Jungu (1,955m/6410ft) and on to St. Niklaus (1,127m/3700ft) ) either by walking or by an optional cable car, from where we travel by train or taxi to our last camp at Randa (1,439m/4720ft).

Day 13

For our final day of trekking we take a short taxi transfer into Zermatt from where we can enjoy our first proper look at the Matterhorn. Zermatt is at the bottom of a steep sides valley and we start the day with a steady climb through the forest towards Tufteren (2215m/7230ft). The trail eases of for a spell the views of Matterhorn are fantastic. We are above the tree line now and the path steepens again before levelling off at the scenic lac Stellisee. A good place for lunch. Onwards to Fluhalp (2618m/8600ft) before doubling back and descending back towards Zermatt. (1608m/5275ft)

8 hours walking, 1020m/3345ft up, 1020m/3345ft down

Meals included:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Day 14

From our camp near Randa it is a short train or minibus trip (optional) to Zermatt. Being traffic-free, Zermatt is an ideal place for a free day: there are lots of opportunities for short or long walks in the locality, or one can simply relax in town. There are also lots of optional excursions: for example by mountain cog railway to Gornergrat for spectacular views of the Gorner Glacier and Monte Rosa. Perhaps the most spectacular however is the cable car ascent to Kleine Matterhorn. Using this optional cable car, those who wish may ascend to the peak at 3,883 m. The all-round views here are exceptional, including close-ups of the Matterhorn and Breithorn.

Essential Info

Visas

No visa required for British passport holders.

Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times.

Vaccinations

There are no specific health risks on this trip.

Eating and Drinking

All breakfasts, 10 picnic lunches and 12 dinners are included in this trip. On eight nights we take our evening meal in camp and on four nights we take our evening meal in a nearby local restaurant or it is prepared for us by the hut or inn. The restaurant and hut/inn meals, which are prepared for us, are usually arranged as a 'menu' for the whole group and as they are based on special negotiations made by us represent better value than eating independently. On free days 9 and 14 dinner is not included and needs to be bought locally. Please note that should the times of flights change to arrive earlier, or depart later, additional meals will not be included. Please also note that no refund will be given for meals not taken or taken other than where designated.

Typical Meals

Breakfast: Will usually consist of coffee, tea, cereal, yoghurt, fresh fruit, bread, jam when in camp or in mountain huts; and coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, bread and jam when in mountain inns.

Evening meal: Generally consists of a first course of soup or salad or other savoury dish, a main course of meat or fish with one or two vegetables or rice or pasta, a dessert course. Although tasty and nutritious the style of menu in restaurants in this part of Europe often lack in variety or quantity of accompanying fresh vegetables compared to menus we may be used to in the UK. The meals are prepared as a set menu for the whole group. Unfortunately there is limited flexibility to change the menu for individuals.

Drinks are not included in the price of evening meals.

Vegetarians: We happily cater for vegetarians but please inform us at the time of booking. If you have a vegan diet we recommend that you bring supplementary food and should expect that the variety of food may be limited whilst on this trip. As this kind of diet is relatively uncommon in this region it is difficult for our camping staff to get suitable produce, as well as being restricted to the number of different dietary requirements they can cater for.

Weather

From late June to early October fair weather is to be expected, but all mountain ranges create their own weather patterns and the Alps are no exception. It can and does rain and especially on the high passes it can be surprisingly cold at times. Expected daytime temperatures are in the range of 15 to 25ºC in the valleys (although it can sometimes reach 30ºC in July/August), 5 to 15ºC on the passes (though it will feel colder if wet and windy) and 5 to 15ºC in the valley at night; possibly a little lower early and late in the season. There is always the possibility of lying snow, especially in the early season, and snowfall even in August and September when we may find new snow on the passes. Please be aware that on late season treks (September) the days are shorter and we will need to make early starts to make the most of the available daylights hours.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is graded Activity Level 5 - Challenging and some of the days are indeed challenging with up to 1600m of ascent and on other days similar descents. On some days when we cross glacial moraine the terrain is rough and loose underfoot. There are also some steep sections with chains provided to give support. The cumulated fatigue of hard trekking for two weeks should not be underestimated. As this is a group holiday you need to be confident that your fitness will allow you to enjoyably walk at a consistent and steady pace that matches the group average, therefore allowing the group to finish the day at a reasonable time. You will also enjoy the trek a great deal more if your fitness allows you to walk the route in relative ease.

There is one qualified International Mountain Leader (IML) that accompanies the group throughout and it is their decision if you will be able to accompany the group on any particular day. For safety reasons the group leader may also change their walking style from one where everyone walks at their own pace to one where the group walks together at the speed of the slowest, depending on the conditions, weather and visibility. This scenery on this trip is stunning, and may well be the best walking you have ever done, but it is important to be prepared and have a high level of walking fitness and stamina.

Whilst camping the support leader will erect your tent but in the morning you will be expected to pack away your own tent (these are modern pop up style tents that are very easy and quick to fold away and pack) and the whole group generally helps to load the support vehicle on the days when we move camp. After breakfast and on the nights when we eat in camp you should expect to help with the washing up.

All ascents, descents and walking distances listed below are approximates. We have decided the most accurate method is to map the routes carefully using google earth. That said it is impossible to obtain a completely true figure of the distances walked. Regarding GPS - due to the inherent inaccuracies of defining an exact waypoint with a GPS and the cumulative overall inaccuracy this causes, you may find that our distances and GPS distances you obtain on trek with your personal GPS/phone, may differ by quite a margin. Timings stated include lunch and photo stops and will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Accommodation

Camping, Mountain Huts & Village Inn

There are 11 nights camping, 2 nights in mountain huts and 1 night in dormitory style rooms in a village inn. We use roomy, easy to erect, two person tents, staying wherever possible (which is almost everywhere) at comfortable campsites with modern facilities, hot showers, electricity to recharge batteries, mobile phones etc. To make the route sensible it is necessary to camp rough on two occasions. Facilities at these rough camps are minimal with public toilets and cold running water only. There are no showers at the rough camps. We also spend 1 night in a basic auberge and 2 nights in a refuge. Single supplement available is available on request (for nights in tents only).

Reviews

Two wonderful weeks of high cols

My second Exodus trek in the Alps, and the Haute Route deserves the challenging grade, definitely tougher than TMB. Very well organised by Exodus, excellent leader and camp manager, and a great bunch of 12 trekkers.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summit of the third col of the day between Mont Fort and Prafleuri mountain refuges, the Col de Prafleuri (almost 3000m). This day 5 of the walk stayed over 2500m all day, we were fortunate to have a fine day for it.

What did you think of your group leader?

John is a natural leader, highly skilled in mountain technique but also very sensitive to the different abilities and interests of group members. He quickly gauged the correct pace, and knows when to give extra support to people who need it, e.g. with tricky parts of a steep descent. He kept our spirits up on the days with poor weather, and on fine days allowed the fastest members of the group to go ahead (but then wait at junctions). He has an excellent knowledge of Alpine geography and trees, which he was ready to share. Having been led by John on TMB in 2014, I was delighted to meet him again on arrival at Geneva.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This trip is not for those who lack fitness and stamina. Several days wth 1000m or more ascent and descent, one after another: there is no rest day until after 6 days walking. Do this trip if ready for a challenge, otherwise consider the Tour du Mont Blanc TMB.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Our camp manager Egle deserves full credit alongside John. She managed to perform wonders on a basic cooking stove, very imaginative menus, and the large portions one needs on such an energetic trek. The whole Exodus camp set up is very well thought out, including the design of tents, mess tent and all the auxiliary equipment like facilities to charge phones etc. I would suggest that the tents used are absolutely fine for one person but I would advise anyone travelling without a partner or very good friend to pay the single supplement. The two mountain refuges were an interesting experience of living close together, unavoidable to complete the route. Most of the campsites very well equipped, Exodus do not hide the fact that two others have very basic facilities.

Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn 505A

A great walk with fabulous scenery. The group was very supportive and friendly and this added to the enjoyment of the holiday.
The food was amazing, delicious and filling. The camp manager was brilliant - very efficient, and a great cook.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Arriving at the col after climbing up the ladders at the Pas de Chèvre. I've never done anything like that before. Exhilarating!

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader really added to my enjoyment of the holiday. He was very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the area and pointed out interesting plants that I would have missed otherwise. We even saw an eidelweiss on the mountainside. He also shared his interest in the geology and history of the area which I found interesting and helpful in understanding the mountains.
He was a thoughtful leader and took time to help people who needed support over the more difficult terrain.
His route finding was impeccable and when bad weather came in the group felt complete confidence in him to get us to the campsite.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take an inner sheet sleeping bag for the night in the huts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn

This was my first ever trek so I was anxious at first. I quickly settled in to the group and found the trek a great adventure and experience. The guide we had was excellent in terms of gaging the groups abilities and leading us. The support member of staff was also relaible and provided a good service. It was a hard trek at times but very rewarding. I am already looking to plan my next trip with Exodus!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The groups support for each other. I can't name one moment as there were many. Everyone had different strengths and abilities and were able to inspire each other at different times.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent. Very knowledgeable, supportive and friendly. He was a great leader and I had every confidence in him.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

None that has'nt alresdy been provided in the trip notes.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Excellent, Tough Trip but Very Rewarding

We did this trek in July and had perfect blue sky weather every day, but rain on the last day for the walk into Zermatt. The trek for us was one of the best European treks we have done and was very challenging/tough but extremely rewarding with stunning and changeable scenery every day. We really enjoyed the camping although the mountain huts and auberge were a little close for comfort but manageable once you got use to the idea of sleeping closely with other people!!
This trek had it all for us. High col passes, snow walking and bum sliding, steep ascents, steep descents, rough terrain, boulder jumping, chains, forests, gushing rivers, waterfalls and lakes and absolutely stunning snow capped mountains and scenery.
However, we were a little disappointed that the itinerary was not followed on the first day of walking and we missed not starting from the teleferique at Plan Praz and also the high level contour walk with ladders and chains.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Arriving at a col each day at just under 3000 metres after a long, hard ascent and the stunning blue sky views that awaited us.

What did you think of your group leader?

As a result of Simon's background he was a fast paced, no-nonsense leader which, on occasions, was necessary due to the challenging/tough nature of this trek. However, a slightly slower pace to meet the total group needs might have been more appropriate as those who were at the back every day struggled to keep up and we had to keep waiting for them to catch up. Conversely, you really need to be a good and very fit mountain walker to get the best out of this trek.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

On your first day off at Les Bossons, Chamonix (the warm-up day), do the ascent and descent from the campsite to the Refuge de Bellachat at altitude 2152 metres. This will give you a good feel for what the daily ascents and descents are like, whilst warming you up nicely for what is in store most days. If you make it, try the delicious omelettes at the Refuge and the views are also very stunning.
For the huts and auberge take a head torch with a red light so as not to wake people up with a bright LED and also ear plugs. You only need to take a sleeping bag liner in your day pack and no flip-flops for the huts as croc shoes are provided. You will need to take a towel and soap etc as you can have a shower in the Mountain Huts at a cost of 5 Francs and they are free in the auberge.
The long descents can be very arduous on your knees - definitely take and use two poles.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

As the trip notes state this is a challenging/tough trek and you need to be more than a fell walker, capable of walking at altitude. You must also be capable of walking at a moderate to fast rate each day sometimes over very uneven rocky ground, otherwise you will probably be the one at the back holding the group up every day and preventing them from achieving the daily challenges e.g. ladders and high routes thus causing the leader to 'water-down' the itinerary. This will affect the dynamics of the group and also put you under pressure and potentially prevent you from enjoying a wonderful trek.

Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn

We were a little unfortunate with the weather in that we had a full week with minimal views, quite a lot of rain and very low cloud which was disappointing and at times frustrating. However we had a great group and learnt to recognise a lot of alpine flowers, as this was all we could see at times. We really appreciated the expansive views when the sun finally came out. The tents were a really good size for two and Charlie whipped up some fantastic meals in camp.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Finally getting to see some fantastic views after a week of minimal visibility.

What did you think of your group leader?

Jenny was keen to keep the group together during the day, and make sure the group didn't get too split up. She did a good job at trying to keep morale up when the route had to be changed on several occasions as it was too dangerous in the snow and poor visibility to go across the highest pass of the route to Col Prafleuri, having already had to go on the low route rather than go on the path near the Trient Glacier.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared to experience days with poor weather and limited visibility, rather than just the picture perfect blue sky photos in the advertising for this trip. Also pack clothes/layers for all temperatures from a really hot sunny day to a cold winter's day - we experienced it all.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

At times the group will be encouraged to take and pay for additional cable cars/chair lifts not described in the trip notes. Also at times it felt more like a coffee stop tour rather than a walking tour, but that may just have been our revised focus due to the poor weather we experienced.

MONT BLANC TO THE MATTERHORN

excellent guide (Mike Rhodes) - right out of the top drawer. Would have enjoyed it more and would have been happy to pay more if the trek focused on Auberge accommodation. Under canvas is not the best way to prepare oneself for a daily slog.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

First sight of the Matterhorn from a col

What did you think of your group leader?

Warm, accomplished, highly experienced, confident with an easy relaxed style - but we still all knew who was in charge. Right out of the top drawer.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Despite the bulk, try to take a substantial mat for sleeping on the hard ground. Self-inflating but with a 5cm height would be preferable.

MONT BLANC TO THE MATTERHORN-ISH

An outstanding and challenging trip. The mix of day walking and light backpacking, and the slow transition from France, French Switzerland to German Switzerland meant every day was subtly different and interesting. The reward of the Matterhorn on the last day was mesmerising.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

For me, there were several. Finally getting to see the Matterhorn was superb. I don't know who Exodus pays to do the weather, but they pay well - it was bathed in shining sun and was a worthy end to the trip.&nbsp;The challenge of getting up the Fenetre d'Arpette, Col du Reidmatten and Col du Torrent was immense. It was hard work, no doubt, but the views and feeling of elation was worth it.&nbsp;The best of all was chatting to a fellow tripper Mike, an engineer, experienced alpiniste, mountain walker and an inspiration. More of one of life's adventurers really, who had some amazing tales, like pushing a pram from London to Leicester in under 12 hours! It goes to show that the group really make the holiday and in this case, ours was excellent.

What did you think of your group leader?

I felt Simon was an excellent guide. His hands off style really suited me as I felt I could try and walk on his (very fit) heels if I wanted to push myself, but equally, I could stroll at the back in my own time and not feel under pressure to be in sight at all times. It was quite refreshing to be &quot;off the leash&quot; a little as some Exodus trip-notes describe how a leader might allow everyone to walk at their own pace, but I'd yet to experience it. Again, it underlines how having a sensible, fit and smart group can really be the making of the holiday.&nbsp;Simon dealt well with the variable walking styles in the group too. Some wanted to walk and stop, have a paddle or take photos, others just wanted to push on, so it was nice to see trust from him to allow people to come on in their own time while he steered the diesel engines who just ploughed on relentlessly up front.&nbsp;I suffered with an ongoing injury that mean I had to sit out two days of walking (hence the ish), but I communicated with Simon each night as required to get an idea of what was coming, how I was feeling and so on and always felt looked after. In the end it came down to this for me - I had total faith that if there was a problem, Simon would deal with it perfectly.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go for it. It's a great route, and don't be put off by it sharing some of the TMB route at the start, if you've done that before. Even a month apart, the hillsides are totally different.&nbsp;If you're new to alpine dorms be aware, you might get a bunk bed, but equally, you might end up in an eight person wide mega-bunk. There's plenty of room and your own pillow and duvet (plus your liner) but private it ain't. It pays to get in early and bag a tidy spot, preferably next to a good friend. Earplugs and something to cover your eyes, like a Buff, really help too.&nbsp;Eat many rostis. With cheese, egg, bacon, ham, whatever. They're such good fuel and super tasty.&nbsp;If you're thinking of saving money by bringing your own chocolate bars in, this works really well, until they all melt horribly and you have to put them in a stream to make them solid again. Maybe muesli bars are the way to go?

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The only minor grumble in a five star trip is the lunch rations were a little meagre. Not even the fillings - there was always plenty of filling, just never quite enough bread. It got better in the second half of the trip, but no one wants to be a hungry little soldier!&nbsp;Otherwise, in my deeply biased view, this is an excellent trip. Some of this is based on luck - I got great weather, a great guide and best of all, a fit, fun and great group - but much is simply due to the stunning terrain over which you walk each day, from high alpage, hot valley floor, picturesque Swiss villages, past clanking cattle, up thigh-screamingly steep cols with chains to pull you skywards and glacial streams to cool your feet (and more) off. &nbsp;Book it. Now. It's worth it.

MONT BLANC TO THE MATTERHORN

Fantastic trip, somewhat challenging but that's all part of the fun. Great sense of achievement at the end. Brilliant scenery, and we were lucky with the weather too. Very well organised trip, with an extremely competent mountain guide, who was happy for people to walk at their own pace whether that was fast or slow.
The camping was very civilised - the only campsite chores that had to be done were taking down your own tent and helping out with the washing up now and then. This made changing campsites each day hassle free. Laundry facilities were available en route - I didn't need to take as much stuff as I did.
The food surpassed all my expectations, and I am a fussy eater. Three courses every night of the best food I have ever had whilst camping.
Overall one of the best trips I have done - recommended!

MONT BLANC TO THE MATTERHORN

The ‘Haute Route’ through the mountains of France and Switzerland is a fantastic two weeks of spectacular scenery, some good old fashioned hard work and an indescribable sense of accomplishment. This part of the Alps has some of the best hiking I have ever experienced, with photos to last a lifetime. With an extremely competent and knowledgeable leader, and great hearty food every evening, you would be hard pressed to find yourself getting bored or going hungry on this trip. A brilliant holiday, which left many of my friends extremely envious, of both my pictures and my achievements.

MONT BLANC TO THE MATTERHORN

The walking and the scenery were breath taking. Every day yielded new views. It was a challenge to ascend each pass but the rewards were fantastic. The trip was challenging but within my capabilities.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

A moment I remember was setting off in the morning at 7am from the first of the mountain huts and making our way up to the first of the three passes of the day. We climbed on snowy patches of hillside and the slippery conditions stretched us all; we received excellent guidance from our group leader. I recall the sense of pure exhilaration on reaching the pass. We had got off to a great start, the views were wonderful and a whole day of high mountain walking lay ahead.....

What did you think of your group leader?

Confident and relaxed, comfortable, competent and knowledgeable in the mountains, and able to accommodate all levels of walker, Mike inspired confidence. An ideal leader for a mountain trek of this nature.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Love the mountains! Love pushing and extending yourself!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I enjoyed the supported camping, appreciated the support team's welcome, the endless cups of tea, the delicious food and the hot showers on several of the camping sites!!

Dates & Prices

An overview of flight options

Exodus is committed to making joining our tours as easy as possible, wherever you live. We generally only block book seats from London, but this certainly does not mean that you need to fly from there. Depending on the route and airlines available, there will usually be various options available for those who want to fly from their local airport.

This page aims to provide a useful overview of the options available to our clients. However, the best flight arrangements should be tailored to your personal requirements, so please contact our Sales team for expert advice.

What kind of options do I have ?

1. We can book for you: Flights from anywhere in the world - not via London

Depending on the route, this may be direct or via an overseas hub like Amsterdam, the Middle East or elsewhere. On short haul routes there may be direct flights with low cost airlines, charter flights or scheduled airlines. Exodus can book most, but not all, of these for you. The most appropriate airline may be different to that which we use for the group flight from London, but many people now travel on different airlines and meet up with their fellow passengers at the destination.

Pros

Cons

May be the most direct route

Often the extra fare compared to the London flight is minimal.

As you will be in the hands a single airline for your entire journey, the airline will be responsible for your bags and your connections.

You may not be able to join the group transfers. However, we can usually arrange private transfers, or book your flights to try and coincide with the group transfers. See notes on transfer arrangements below.

2. We can book for you: Connecting flights from your local airport to London

Exodus can book connecting flights to London so you can join the group flight there. Connecting times will be followed according to airline advice, or as requested by clients. There are two types of fares we can use for this option: a 'through-fare' or a 'published fare'.

a) A 'through-fare' is where you will be in the main airline's care throughout. You change planes, but your bags are checked all the way through to your final destination.

b) A 'published fare' ticket is completely seperate from your onward ticket from London. It is usually cheaper than a through-fare but will need to be paid for and issued as soon as it is booked. This can be a problem if your tour has not yet reached minimum numbers. On 'published fares' neither airline is aware that you have connecting flights, so Exodus is responsible for timing your connection, not the airlines involved. The tickets are also usually non changeable and non refundable.

Pros

Cons

Depending on the fare type, Exodus or the airline is responsible for flight connections.

Through fare tickets can be expensive.

On a published fare, tickets must be issued immediately; tickets on published fares can be very difficult to change if onward flight times change; bags are not checked though to your final destination.

Published fares are non-refundable.

3. Booking some or all of the flights yourself

You can also book connecting air travel yourself, either to London, or all the way to the start point. There may be certain airlines or routes we don't have access to, so this is always an option. However, if you make your own travel arrangements you become liable for any delays, cancellations or missed connections, and Exodus is not required to offer refunds if you have trouble reaching the start of your trip.

Pros

Cons

You might find cheaper fares, or routes not available to Exodus.

You are responsible for any delays or missed connections, and the cost of the tour is not protected should you miss your flight be cancelled.

Notes on transfer arrangements

Sometimes it is possible to travel on a different airline to the group flight from London. Where this is the case, we need to think about ensuring you meet up with the group with minimum extra cost and hassle.

On certain trips, it is easy to arrive on a different flight and still meet the group at the hotel with time in hand. We can usually arrange private transfers (at extra cost) or offer advice on taking a taxi to the start hotel.

On other trips (especially in Europe), the transfer meets the group flight and then travels some distance to the first night's accommodation. Where this is the case, our Sales team will try to arrange flights that arrive before (and depart after) the group. However, we do have to make it clear in your final documentation that if your flights are delayed, the transfer cannot wait for you. While Exodus or our local operators will do what we can to help you reach the start point of the tour, any additional costs must be paid by the client.